Polynatural-Book 1

Chapter 37

"You know you're a great cook," I say with a mouth half stuffed with rich, buttermilk pancakes.

"It happens when you have a lot of time on your hands."

I take a bite of honeydew and savor the fresh sweetness. "Mm," I utter, obviously enjoying the meal.

"I think I want to go to culinary school," states Brody as he chews a piece of bacon thoughtfully. "Like go to Europe and travel and learn how to cook each culture's unique cuisine."

"Can we be best friends then? I love good food."

He laughs. "Is that what I'm good for huh?"

Looking down and noticing I have no more bacon, I steal one from Brody's plate.

"You're not sneaky." He cheekily states.

"Oh, I'm not trying to be." I reply in the same cheeky tone. "You made this breakfast for me anyways." I raise my eyebrow cockily.

In response, he smiles and like a perfect gentleman, offers me the rest of his bacon. I happily take it.

"Wait, why do you eat real food anyways? I thought you guys drink blood and stuff."

He chuckles, "Yeah we need blood to live, but that doesn't mean we don't enjoy human food. Anyways, ready for your next surprise?"

Brody reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a brochure of France. "One week get away."

I laugh at his ludicrous proposal. "Don't be ridiculous Brody. Do you realize how expensive that is?"

He reaches in his other back pocket and pulls out two plane tickets to Paris. "Perks of being a Divames I guess. All of us are pretty wealthy or are related to a royal family in some way."

"So, what does that make you, a Prince of some sort?" I jokingly tease him.

"Something like that." He flashes me a sideways grin.

"We can't just leave...we have school."

"Oh come on Lacey. That's just a cover for the both of us. It'll be fun. Tell me you wouldn't like a getaway to Paris for a week, to just forget about everything here. I can show you all my favorite restaurants, museums, sights...." His voice trails off as he begins to imagine all the wonders of France.

"I don't know Brody..."

 I'm still not entirely on board with the plan. Sure an escape to a foreign country does sound nice...but it's with Brody. I know I've shut off my emotions towards Parker, but I can't just jump into this. I'm not ready nor do I want to.

"You'll be able to reach back to your Divames roots." Brody urges, trying to sound persuasive. "It's a ritual to hold bonding and marriage ceremonies there. Your mom probably went..."

Mom...that caught my attention. Maybe she's been hiding there or I'll be able to find some clues to her whereabouts.

"You know you're right. I do need a getaway. When do we leave?"

"As soon as you finish packing your stuff." He smiles triumphantly.

I quickly pack my luggage and make a phone call to Tom and The Boss. Tom is all for the plan. Apparently, he approves of Brody due to his gentlemanly allure, culinary expertise, and obvious affection towards me. The Boss, on the other hand, is a little hesitant, warning me of the possibility of Brody and the Divames having an ulterior motive. In the end, he agrees and says I deserve a vacation. I tell him that I might find clues to my mom there. He merely replies with a warning to stay alert and be careful.

Before I know it, Brody has me whisked away to the airport. I take a deep breath before boarding. Too late to look back now I say to myself. My whole body shivers a little at the thought of possibly finding something about my mom. It isn't much to go on, but it's more of a lead than I've had.  Besides that, I'm spending an entire week with Brody in France...in Paris, the city of love.

I take a seat next to Brody on the plane, first class, no surprise there. A beautiful blonde lady, who I could have easily mistaken for a vogue model, except for the flight attendant outfit, approaches me with a tray of champagne.

"Would you like a drink?" She speaks in the smoothest velvety voice, flowing like milky butter. It reminds me a lot of Brody's. A hint of a French accent accentuates the tips of her words.

I look at her questioningly, I'm a minor obviously. Brody looks towards me and gives me a wink. The flight attendant flashes me a quick grin, showing me the peaks of her fangs. Ahh, Divames.

"Friend of yours I presume?"

Brody chuckles. "Oh yeah we go way back." He smiles warningly at her and grabs two glasses of champagne.

For the majority of the trip, I wear my head phones and pass back and forth between being asleep and being awake. There are too many thoughts...anticipations...in my head to fully fall into a deep slumber. I can't shake the excitement of possibly finding a little more about myself and my mother. Brody, on the other hand, is heavily immersed in some foreign culinary magazine.

His eyes sparkle behind the pages as he devours every page. A slight smile delightfully curves itself at the edges of his lips. He's actually quite beautiful I think to myself. I've never really looked at Brody before. He has a strong masculine jawline that contrasts with that curly, soft brown hair of his; all matching perfectly with his light golden brown eyes, shining brightly like a newly polished piece of gold jewelry. He is the definition of tall, dark, and handsome. The sexy French accent and impeccable cooking is just the icing on the cake.

He flickers his eyes towards me and smirks mischievously. I quickly turn my attention away, embarrassed to be caught staring. He starts to prod in my mind wondering what I was thinking. I growl back out. He continues to smirk.

"It was easier to get in your head when you were unaware."

I reply with an annoyed pursing of my lips.

"We're here," says Brody as he looks out the window.

I peek over his shoulder and gasp. Looks like the adventure is about to start.